Beneath the Surface, an annual research publication by the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams.

News Release

WINONA LAKE — The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams announces the sixth edition of Beneath the Surface, a yearly report that shares the data the center collected from Kosciusko County’s waterways during the summer of 2024. Physical copies are available at the Lilly Center or can be downloaded for free.

Beneath the Surface equips readers with the information they need to care for the lakes. This library of valuable data shows patterns and trends in the health of our lakes, which in turn reveals specific management steps.

This year, Beneath the Surface contains data and information about 16 local lakes, 14 streams, two blue-green algae toxins, E. coli, and much more. The report is divided into two sections. The first provides a general overview of the state of Kosciusko County’s lakes through observations about water clarity, fish habitat, and blue-green algae toxins. The second section dives into each lake group. Tables and graphs show toxin levels and water clarity data for each lake.

In 2023, the Lilly Center identified a second blue-green algae toxin called saxitoxin that appeared at elevated levels in local lakes. Saxitoxin is not only present in Kosciusko County lakes, but it also appears in Florida during “red tides.” The algae in these harmful algae blooms turn the coastal waters red thanks to the sheer number of organisms. Much like the toxin microcystin, saxitoxin can cause damage to organs in pets and humans at elevated levels. Saxitoxin results from 2023 and 2024 are on page 10 of this edition.

Beneath the Surface also addresses the high microcystin toxin levels seen at Big Chapman Lake this spring. Additional analysis and data are presented on page 29.

The Lilly Center exists to make Kosciusko County’s lakes and streams clean, healthy, safe, and beautiful. Beneath the Surface not only presents the data but also provides ways for lake residents to make a difference on their lake. By partnering with lake associations, local nonprofits, and schools, the Lilly Center aims to make our lakes clean and healthy for generations to enjoy in the future.

Beneath the Surface is possible thanks to The Papers and the K21 Health Foundation.